A DAD who suffered 'a difficult childhood' gave in to temptation when he stole a push bike from a railway station in Malvern, a court was told.

Dale Clarke, aged 21, of Moat Crescent, Malvern, admitted theft of a pedal cycle worth £50 when he appeared before magistrates in Worcester on Monday. The offence happened on September 10 last year.

Clare Linehan, prosecuting, said the bike was taken from the rack at Malvern railway station but the owner only noticed it was missing on September 13. The incident was captured on CCTV and staff had also spotted Clarke moving the bike at the time. When interviewed by police he fully admitted taking the bike, Ms Linehan said. He told police the bike was not locked. He took it on a train with him to Birmingham before he gave it away. Ms Linehan said: "He said he was sorry and he realised it was wrong to take it."

David Ollivere, defending, asked magistrates to give Clarke full credit for his guilty plea. He said the delay in resolving the case had nothing to do with his client's reluctance to admit guilt as Clarke had made full admissions in interview. He said: "He has had a difficult childhood." His record shows motoring and dishonesty convictions but more recently his convictions have been related to his relationship with his partner and his 'fiery temper' Mr Ollivere. They have one child together and she is five months pregnant with his second. Mr Ollivere said the theft was 'opportunistic' and he had been going through some financial problems after his money was stopped by the job centre. "Temptation got the better of him" Mr Ollivere said. Magistrates gave him a community order for 12 months to include 75 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and compensation to the victim of £50 and a £60 victim surcharge.